Authors

Publication Date

2014

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is evidence of reliability and validity for the Adolescent Body Image Satisfaction Scale (ABISS); an instrument previously developed (26) to measure adolescent body image. A sample (N = 330) of adolescent males, ages 14 to 19, completed the ABISS to determine current body image satisfaction. Data were analyzed for measures of instrument composite reliability and initial content and construct validity. Exploratory factor analysis supported a three-factor solution (16 total items), which explained 42.7% of variance in the model. Composite reliability for the subscales, Body Competence, Body Inadequacy, and Internal Conflict, ranged from .64 - .82. Exploratory factor analysis of the ABISS provides initial psychometric support for a valid and reliable measure for assessing adolescent male body image, which also can be used as a needs assessment tool. Strength and conditioning professionals should be aware of their athlete and client psychological attributes, many of whom are adolescents. Understanding how adolescents view their bodies and their body image will assist professionals in designing appropriate, health-promotive strength programs, while at the same time monitoring for signs of body image dissatisfaction. Assessing body image can help heighten awareness and possibly encourage preventative programming to help avert negative health practices (e.g., performance-enhancing drug use, exercise addictions, disordered eating). The ABISS appears to have preliminary psychometric support to be a valid and reliable instrument that helps gauge at-risk populations.